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Tenderness between ribs. Costochondritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Rib Tenderness

What are the common symptoms of costochondritis. How is costochondritis diagnosed. What treatments are available for managing rib tenderness. Can costochondritis be prevented. When should you seek medical attention for chest pain.

Understanding Costochondritis: A Common Cause of Rib Tenderness

Costochondritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). This inflammation can cause significant discomfort and tenderness in the chest area, often mimicking more serious conditions like heart attacks. While costochondritis is generally not a severe condition, it’s essential to understand its symptoms, causes, and treatment options to manage it effectively.

Identifying the Symptoms of Costochondritis

Recognizing the symptoms of costochondritis is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. What are the primary signs of this condition?

  • Sharp, aching pain in the chest wall
  • Tenderness when pressing on the affected ribs
  • Pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or physical activity
  • Discomfort that may radiate to the back or abdomen
  • Increased pain when moving the upper body or arms

It’s important to note that the pain associated with costochondritis can vary in intensity and may be mistaken for cardiac issues. If you experience persistent chest pain, seeking medical attention is crucial to rule out more serious conditions.

Exploring the Causes and Risk Factors of Costochondritis

Understanding the underlying causes of costochondritis can help in prevention and management. What factors contribute to the development of this condition?

  • Physical trauma to the chest
  • Repetitive strain from activities like heavy lifting or intense exercise
  • Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
  • Certain inflammatory conditions, like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Postural problems that strain the chest wall

While costochondritis can affect anyone, it is more common in women and people over 40. Additionally, individuals with a history of chest injuries or those who engage in activities that strain the chest muscles may be at higher risk.

Diagnosing Costochondritis: What to Expect During a Medical Evaluation

Proper diagnosis of costochondritis is essential for effective treatment. How do healthcare providers diagnose this condition?

  1. Physical examination: The doctor will palpate the chest wall to locate areas of tenderness.
  2. Medical history: A detailed discussion of symptoms, recent activities, and past health issues.
  3. Imaging tests: X-rays or CT scans may be ordered to rule out other conditions.
  4. Electrocardiogram (ECG): To exclude heart-related issues that may cause similar symptoms.

It’s worth noting that there is no specific test for costochondritis. The diagnosis is typically made based on the patient’s symptoms and the exclusion of other potential causes of chest pain.

Treatment Options for Managing Costochondritis Pain

While costochondritis often resolves on its own, various treatments can help alleviate symptoms and promote faster recovery. What are the most effective ways to manage costochondritis pain?

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and discomfort
  • Application of heat or ice to the affected area
  • Rest and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain
  • Gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility of the chest muscles
  • Physical therapy to strengthen the chest wall and improve posture
  • In severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended

It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms and needs.

Lifestyle Modifications and Prevention Strategies for Costochondritis

While not all cases of costochondritis can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of developing this condition or experiencing recurrent episodes. What steps can individuals take to minimize their chances of experiencing rib tenderness?

  • Practice good posture to reduce strain on the chest wall
  • Use proper form when lifting heavy objects or exercising
  • Engage in regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the chest muscles
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the rib cage
  • Quit smoking, as it can irritate the respiratory system and increase inflammation

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you may be able to lower your risk of developing costochondritis or experiencing recurring episodes.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Chest Pain

While costochondritis is generally not a serious condition, it’s crucial to know when chest pain warrants immediate medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare provider for chest discomfort?

  • Severe or persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications
  • Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea
  • Pain that radiates to the jaw, left arm, or back
  • Fever or chills along with chest discomfort
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pain that worsens with exertion or physical activity

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to chest pain. If you’re unsure about the cause of your symptoms, seeking prompt medical evaluation is essential.

Differentiating Costochondritis from Other Chest Conditions

Costochondritis can sometimes be confused with other conditions that cause chest pain. How can you distinguish costochondritis from other potential causes of chest discomfort?

Costochondritis vs. Heart Attack

While both conditions can cause chest pain, there are key differences:

  • Costochondritis pain typically worsens with movement or pressure on the chest wall
  • Heart attack pain often radiates to the left arm, jaw, or back
  • Costochondritis doesn’t usually cause shortness of breath or nausea
  • Heart attacks may be accompanied by sweating, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom

Costochondritis vs. Pleurisy

Pleurisy, inflammation of the lining of the lungs, can also cause chest pain. Here’s how it differs from costochondritis:

  • Pleurisy pain is often sharp and worsens with breathing
  • Costochondritis pain is typically more localized to the chest wall
  • Pleurisy may be accompanied by a dry cough and fever
  • Costochondritis doesn’t usually affect breathing patterns

Understanding these distinctions can help you provide more accurate information to your healthcare provider, leading to a more precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Long-term Outlook and Management of Chronic Costochondritis

For most people, costochondritis is a temporary condition that resolves within a few weeks or months. However, some individuals may experience chronic or recurring episodes of rib tenderness. How can those with persistent symptoms effectively manage their condition?

  • Develop a comprehensive pain management strategy with your healthcare provider
  • Consider alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage to complement traditional treatments
  • Explore stress reduction techniques, as stress can exacerbate symptoms
  • Maintain open communication with your doctor about any changes in symptoms or treatment efficacy
  • Join support groups or online communities to connect with others experiencing similar challenges

Living with chronic costochondritis may require ongoing adjustments to your lifestyle and treatment approach. Working closely with your healthcare team can help you develop effective strategies for long-term symptom management and improved quality of life.

The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Managing Costochondritis

While there is no specific diet proven to cure costochondritis, certain nutritional strategies may help reduce inflammation and support overall healing. What dietary approaches might be beneficial for individuals with rib tenderness?

  • Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, berries, and leafy greens
  • Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids through fish oil supplements or plant-based sources
  • Ensure adequate vitamin D and calcium intake for bone and cartilage health
  • Stay hydrated to support overall tissue health and reduce inflammation
  • Limit processed foods and sugars that may contribute to systemic inflammation

It’s important to note that while these dietary changes may offer some benefits, they should not replace medical treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or starting new supplements.

Costochondritis in Special Populations: Children and Pregnant Women

Costochondritis can affect individuals of all ages, including children and pregnant women. How does the condition present and how is it managed in these special populations?

Costochondritis in Children

Rib tenderness in children can be concerning for parents and caregivers. What should you know about costochondritis in pediatric patients?

  • Symptoms may be similar to those in adults but can be more difficult for children to articulate
  • Physical activities and sports may exacerbate symptoms
  • Treatment typically focuses on rest, pain management, and gentle stretching
  • Parents should work closely with pediatricians to rule out other potential causes of chest pain

Costochondritis During Pregnancy

Pregnant women may experience rib tenderness due to the physical changes associated with pregnancy. How is costochondritis addressed in expectant mothers?

  • Symptoms may be exacerbated by the growing uterus and postural changes
  • Treatment options may be limited due to pregnancy-related restrictions on certain medications
  • Focus on safe pain management techniques like gentle stretching and proper posture
  • Regular prenatal check-ups can help monitor and manage symptoms throughout pregnancy

In both cases, it’s crucial to work closely with healthcare providers to ensure appropriate diagnosis and safe, effective management strategies.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Costochondritis Treatment

As medical understanding of costochondritis continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new approaches to diagnosis and treatment. What are some of the promising areas of study in costochondritis management?

  • Advanced imaging techniques for more accurate diagnosis
  • Novel anti-inflammatory medications with fewer side effects
  • Targeted physical therapy protocols for costochondritis
  • Investigation into potential genetic factors that may predispose individuals to the condition
  • Exploration of regenerative medicine approaches to promote cartilage healing

While these areas of research are still in various stages of development, they offer hope for improved diagnosis and treatment options in the future. Patients with chronic or recurrent costochondritis may benefit from staying informed about emerging therapies and discussing new options with their healthcare providers as they become available.

As our understanding of costochondritis continues to grow, so too does our ability to effectively manage this often-painful condition. By staying informed about symptoms, treatment options, and preventive strategies, individuals experiencing rib tenderness can work towards better pain management and improved quality of life. Remember, while costochondritis can be uncomfortable and concerning, with proper care and attention, most people can find relief and return to their normal activities.

Pictures, symptoms, causes, and treatments

The ribs can become bruised or broken after a traumatic injury to the chest. Generally, treatment for broken and bruised ribs involves relieving pain.

The ribs are flexible bones that make up the rib cage. These bones protect important organs in the chest, including the heart, lungs, and spleen.

It is essential to have a doctor assess any rib injury to ensure that it is not severe and has not damaged internal organs.

Share on PinterestA person with a bruised rib may have pain at the site of the injury and trouble breathing.
Image credit: amyselleck

Symptoms of a bruised rib include:

  • trouble breathing
  • pain at the site of the injury
  • pain with movements like breathing or coughing
  • muscle spasms around the rib cage
  • irregular appearance of the rib cage
  • feeling or hearing a crack at the time of the injury, if a rib has broken

The skin at the site of the injury may bruise as a result of ruptured blood vessels. When these vessels rupture, blood can pool in surrounding tissues.

However, the bones may bruise without any visible injury or bruising on the skin.

The most common cause of a bruised rib is trauma to the chest.

This trauma can result from falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, crush injuries, or assaults, for example. People with osteoporosis can fracture a rib by having a violent coughing episode.

Trauma to the ribs or chest can also cause soft tissue injuries involving the muscles and cartilage. For example, forceful twisting or coughing can strain or pull the intercostal muscles, which allow for the flexibility of the rib cage.

Also, pregnant women can be more susceptible to rib fracture and injury, particularly in the third trimester, due to the growing uterus.

Share on PinterestTo help diagnose a bruised rib, a doctor may perform a physical examination to assess the area.

To diagnose a bruised rib or rib fracture, a doctor will take detailed notes about the injury and the aftermath, including the person’s symptoms.

They will also perform a physical examination to assess the site of the injury and listen to the heart and lungs. Evaluating a person’s breathing is essential.

The doctor may perform a chest X-ray with emphasis on rib detail to see if a rib bone is broken. However, bruising does not always show up on X-rays.

A person might undergo other tests to differentiate a fracture from a muscle or soft tissue injury.

Doctors do not treat bruised or broken ribs in the same manner as a broken arm or leg because rib bones cannot be cast or splinted.

Doctors typically leave bruised or broken ribs to heal on their own. However, in special circumstances, such as when there are multiple fractures or breaks in the rib cage, doctors recommend surgical intervention.

Otherwise, the primary goal of treatment for a bruised or broken rib is pain relief.

If the pain is severe, a person may not be able to breathe as deeply, which can cause a buildup of mucus in the lungs.

Ways to treat bruised and fractured ribs at home include:

  • applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to help reduce inflammation
  • taking over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
  • resting
  • avoiding any activity that can make the pain worse

A person can try gently stretching the muscles in the shoulders and chest wall, but it is important to avoid movements that make the pain worse.

Usually, rib injuries heal on their own. Bruised and broken ribs heal in a similar way and typically get better within 3–6 weeks. If a person is not feeling better in a few weeks, they should contact their doctor, who may request more testing.

Chest wall injuries, including bruised or broken ribs, are a common cause of chest pain in children. These injuries often result from car accidents, blows, or falls, such as on bicycle handlebars.

To promote healing from a bruised or broken rib, encourage the child to rest, use cold and hot packs, give pain relievers as directed, and suggest gentle stretching.

Contact the doctor if the child has a fever, trouble breathing, abdominal pain, or dizziness or lightheadedness.

Share on PinterestIf symptoms of a fever or a worsening cough are present, a person should talk to a doctor.

Consult a healthcare provider if these symptoms are present:

  • shortness of breath
  • worsening pain in the chest or abdomen in the days or weeks after the injury
  • a fever
  • a new or worsening cough

Any of these symptoms could indicate a potentially severe condition.

Also, see a doctor if there is no general improvement after a few weeks.

A bruised rib usually results from an injury such as a fall or a blow to the chest, which may happen while playing sports, for example. Rib fractures occur in the same way.

Bruised ribs are often painful, but over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs can help.

The bruising may take several weeks to heal. If symptoms have not improved within a few weeks, contact the doctor, who may request further testing. A bruised or broken rib can sometimes affect lung health.

How many ribs do humans have? Men, women, and anatomy

Most people have 24 ribs, with 12 on each side of the body.

The ribs and rib cage are excellent examples of the human body’s multi-faceted and multi-functional design.

They are strong enough to support the skeleton and protect the vital organs in the chest cavity, including the heart, lungs, and spleen. Yet, the ribs and rib cage are also flexible enough to expand and contract as the lungs fill and release with the breath.

In this article, learn more about the number of ribs humans have, what their function is, and whether women have more than men.

Most people are born with 12 ribs on each side of the body, making a total of 24 ribs.

Some people are born with more than 24 ribs. These extra ribs are called supernumerary ribs. When people are born with less than 24 ribs, it is called agenesis of the ribs.

To get an idea of how many people had an unusual number of ribs, researchers carried out a study on 188 pregnant women, who were each carrying a single fetus. The study revealed that 92% of fetuses had a normal amount of ribs, 5.3% had fewer, and 2.7% had more.

The first seven sets of ribs are called true ribs. Costal cartilage anchors them to the edge of the sternum, or breastbone, in the middle of the chest at the front of the body. These ribs attach to the thoracic vertebra of the spinal column in the back.

Ribs 8–10 are known as false ribs. These do not connect to the sternum individually. Instead, costal cartilage anchors them to the ribs above them. They collectively share a cartilage connection to the sternum by blending into the cartilage of rib 7. These ribs also connect to the thoracic vertebrae in the back.

Sets 11 and 12 are floating ribs, and they only connect to the thoracic vertebrae of the spinal column in the back.

It is the flexible costal cartilage that allows the ribs to expand when people take deep breaths.

Supernumerary ribs occur in about 0.5% of the population. Typically, they develop on the last vertebra of the neck (the 7th cervical vertebra) above the normal first rib. They are called cervical ribs, and they usually develop in pairs, although some people may only have one cervical rib.

Supernumerary ribs can also grow out of the lumbar spine below rib 12, but this only develops in about 1% of the population,

Much of the time, cervical ribs do not cause any symptoms. However, they can press on and constrict nerves and blood vessels, which can create a condition called thoracic outlet syndrome.

Although many people might think that males have fewer ribs than females — most likely sparked by the biblical story of Adam and Eve — there is no factual evidence. Most people have the same number of ribs, regardless of their sex.

However, researchers have noted that although they are rare in the general population, cervical ribs are more common in females than males.

The ribs have two essential functions:

  • They protect the vital organs found in the chest, including the heart, lungs, part of the liver, and spleen.
  • They maintain space in the chest, so the lungs can expand and contract during the breathing process.

Ribs 7–10, which are the ribs in the middle of the rib cage, tend to break more frequently than the upper and lower ribs.

The collar bone tends to protect the upper ribs, and the “floating” characteristic of the lowest ribs helps protect them from damage.

Direct pressure on the ribs from an automobile accident, fall, or other blunt trauma causes most rib fractures. In fact, 10% of people in the hospital with chest trauma have one or more broken ribs.

The most common symptom of a broken rib or ribs is pain when coughing or breathing. A person with broken ribs may also feel pain or soreness in their chest, right around the area where the break occurred.

The greatest threat from broken ribs is damage to the structure or function of the internal organs.

Flail chest and other conditions

Flail chest is a serious condition that develops when three or more neighboring ribs break in more than one place, which damages the support capabilities and shape of the rib cage. This makes breathing much harder.

In cases of flail chest, or when any broken ribs become displaced, the broken edge can puncture through the pleural cavity and into the lung.

Severe rib fractures can cause pneumothorax, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. This happens when air leaks into the pleural cavity and pushes down over the lung, causing the lung to collapse. Researchers report a 10–15% mortality rate for people with flail chest.

Flail chest may also cause bruising and other damage to the lung tissue, which can lead to acute lung contusion. This type of lung injury can, in turn, lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is severe and life-threatening.

Punctured or bruised lungs can cause a severe drop in blood oxygen levels, and people might experience shortness of breath. Their skin may also look pale or slightly blue, and they may have a rapid heart rate.

The ribs perform vital functions in the body, protecting organs and supporting the breathing process.

The vast majority of human beings are born with 24 ribs, 12 on each side of the body.

Contrary to a widely held misconception, men and women have the same number of ribs. However, some people are born with more or less than the typical 24 ribs.

Most of the time, having an unusual number of ribs does not cause any health problems.

Ultrasound of the liver, diagnosis and treatment

The liver is a fairly delicate organ. Nature has not endowed him with a special kind of protection. The so-called peritoneum, which covers the body in front, is not designed for any strong physical impact. It can easily be broken through with subsequent ruptures of the pliable spongy tissue of the organ, in which case we observe a rupture of the liver.

Any significant deformation of other internal systems can easily lead to damage to the liver. By itself, it is quite large and inelastic. Being, as it were, locked between the ribs and the vertebrae, she is the first to suffer at the slightest internal pressure.

Types of damage

Often such extensive damage goes side by side with damage to other organs. We propose the following classification of gaps:

  • Isolated;

  • Combined with neighboring organs;

  • Rupture of the liver capsule;

  • Rupture of the parenchyma;

  • Deep break.

Liver injuries are also divided into two classes: closed and open. What are they characterized by?

Closed and open liver injuries

Closed injuries are most often formed as a result of a blow to the liver, squeezing or falling. The pathological state of the organ exacerbates the situation and gives the possibility of an instant rupture. Most often, the nature of such incidents is accompanied by a fracture of the ribs, which also leads to compression and, as a result, rupture of the liver.

With strong pressure, part of the liver can be torn off. There is profuse internal bleeding, which is complicated by poor blood clotting due to its mixing with bile. In such cases, our specialists perform immediate surgical intervention. Diagnosis of closed liver injuries is carried out on the basis of a carefully collected anamnesis:

  • Inspection;

  • The degree of blood loss;

  • Blood pressure level;

  • X-ray;

  • Puncture of the abdomen;

  • Ultrasound of the liver.

Open injuries are associated with gunshot and stab wounds. In such cases, multiple ruptures are diagnosed, filled with blood and tissues, as well as bile. There is a risk of biliary peritonitis. In case of failure to provide emergency assistance, damaged tissues, to which oxygen access is blocked, begin the process of dying. The clinical picture of this type of damage corresponds to the picture of a closed type of liver damage: a large loss of blood and pain shock. Diagnostics is not required.

Treatment of liver rupture

Our clinic has repeatedly encountered problems with liver rupture and has successfully performed a number of surgical interventions. The first thing an experienced doctor should do is stop the bleeding, which is done by briefly isolating the liver from the general circulatory system. After that, the damaged area is cleared of blood clots and bile.

The suture applied to the wound can be mattress or U-shaped. Sewing is done with a round needle. If it is impossible to sew up the wound, our specialists limit themselves to tamponing. If the liver is crushed, drainage is required.

Our experienced specialists have saved lives more than once, accompanying the patient at all stages of treatment. Rupture of the liver is dangerous in the postoperative stages. There is a risk of secondary bleeding, hemobilia, biliary peritonitis, subphrenic abscess, biliary fistulas.

The doctors of our clinic vigilantly ensure that the patient is on the mend even after the operation and does not allow any complications. The gap in numbers is 10-40% of deaths. But our employees strive and seek to reduce this figure.

Guide to beef parts / How to cook different cuts – article from the “Meat Culture” section on Food.ru

When talking about beef, it is important to understand that both bulls and cows all over the world are built in the same way. However, the names of the various parts of the carcass and the cutting schemes differ. We will adhere to the domestic classification, but we will explain how it compares with the foreign names that are common in our country.

In our country, cutting beef involves dividing into 13 main cuts: shank (1), brisket (2), ribs (3), hem (4), thigh (5), neck (6), shoulder blade (7), thick edge or loin (8), thin edge (9), tenderloin (10), sacrum or rump (11), rump (12), tail (13).

The best cuts for frying (steaks) are tenderloin, thick and thin edges. The soft parts of the carcass include the hem and the rump. This is meat from the back and belly of the animal, where the muscles are minimally involved when walking.

Much less so, such as the shank, thigh, shoulder blade and rump. The cuts are tougher, since these muscle groups are in constant work during the life of the animal.

Any piece of beef can be cooked to make you lick your fingers. For example, the toughest cut – the shank – melts in the mouth after a long stew.

Today, the marketing concept of so-called “alternative steaks” is gaining popularity. What is behind these words?

Steak is grilled meat. So is it possible to fry tough cuts so that they become soft? It should be understood that no matter how much you invest in marketing, thigh meat will never become a thick edge. But if such a piece can be chewed after frying, then everything is not so scary.

Depending on the breed of calves, the conditions of their feeding and keeping, the degree of marbling (ie the volume of fat layers in the meat) changes. And in some cases, even alternative steaks are tasty and relatively soft. So there is no reason not to experiment!

Main cuts

Tenderloin

Tenderloin is the most expensive muscle, since it is practically not subject to stress and only one for the whole carcass. It is located in the lumbar part and is an oblong piece, thickened on one side and pointed on the other.

Two types of steaks are prepared from tenderloin: filet mignon and chateaubriand. The difference is that filet mignon are portioned pieces from the narrow part of the tenderloin, and Chateaubriand is a large piece from the thick part. As a rule, Chateaubriand is a steak for two.

The tenderloin is the best for beef tartare or carpaccio. As for the steaks, despite their amazing softness, they lack meat expressiveness. It is important to remember that the tenderloin is not particularly greasy.

Thick Edge

Thick Edge is the backside of the beef where the ribs are located. It is this meat that is the most marbled, the legendary ribeye, cowboy and tomahawk steaks are prepared from it. They differ in that a ribeye is a piece of meat freed from a bone, a cowboy is the same ribeye, but with a bone, and a tomahawk is a ribeye on a long stripped rib about 15 cm long.

Thin edge

In contrast to the thick edge, a slightly less marbled cut, but with denser fibers and rich meat flavor. Striploin steaks (aka New York, teebone and porterhouse) are prepared from a thin edge.

The last two are pieces of meat on a t-bone, hence the name t-bone. It is curious that such a steak consists of two types of muscles at once, separated by a bone: a thin edge and a tenderloin. The further the tee-bone is cut from the head of the bull, the larger it is and the larger the size of the tenderloin – such a steak is called a porterhouse.

Side

One of the most interesting of the alternative steaks is cut from the side, the diaphragm (an unpaired girdle muscle that separates the chest and abdomen). The softest diaphragm steak from here is the skint steak.

Flank

Flank – the inner part of the carcass between the ribs and thigh, closer to the groin of the bull. A machete steak is cut from the diaphragm located here, and the meatiest part goes to the butcher’s steak. Beef diaphragm meat is characterized by large fibers and serious layers of fat.

A flank steak is also cut out of the flank – a relatively tough and low-fat piece with a bright taste and unique meaty aroma.

Neck

It is from the neck fillet, that is, the long dorsal muscle between the shoulder blade and the ribs, that the chuck roll steak is cut. In taste, it is closest to the ribeye, which cannot be said about softness – the meat of the neck is quite sinewy.

A denver steak is cut between the neck and shoulder blade, it is softer than a chuck roll. It can be said that Denver is the best that is extracted from the neck cut.

Shoulder

A top blade steak is cut from the outer part of the shoulder – a long and wide piece of meat. At a price it is at least twice cheaper than premium cuts.

Another shoulder steak – flat iron. In fact, the same top blade, but cut differently. It differs in that the shoulder blade is cut not across (when the connective tissue passes in the middle of the piece), but along (the meat is removed from the vein).

Perhaps the most unusual shoulder steak is the Vegas Strip. It was invented in 2012 by American meat expert Tony Mata, who nine years earlier had also invented flat iron. Prior to this, the meat of the shoulder blade was mainly used for minced meat.

Vegas strip – the best shoulder meat, around which all the connective tissue is removed. It tastes like striploin, but tougher.

Rump

A triangular steak is cut from the upper part of the sacrum, topped with a layer of fat – picanha. This cut is great for roasting couscous, but if cut into portioned steaks, you can also fry.

Sirloin is another cut from the rump, cut from the loin near the thick part of the tenderloin. Relatively soft and flavorful meat. As with picanya, it is traditionally used more for roasting whole than for frying.

Rump

Rump steak is cut from the rump of the bull, that is, from the loin of the thigh. One of the toughest steaks, as this muscle group was constantly at work. At the same time, the low price and pronounced meaty taste do their job – the ramp steak also has fans.

Thigh

If you can still cut meat for a steak from the rump, then the rest of the thigh should definitely be used for stewing or boiling. You can try and bake. Also, the thigh pulp is a great option for making minced meat.

Ribs

The best way to work with ribs is to boil them and then bake them in the oven with sauce. An excellent snack for beer or a second course will come out.

Brisket

An excellent cut for making rich broth. Boiled meat can be used in soup, or you can disassemble it into fibers and cook jellied meat.

Shank

It is the pieces of chopped shank that many of us call ossobuco – after the traditional Lombard dish. This meat is categorically not suitable for frying and is intended for long-term stewing, it is also great in boiled form. The bone during cooking will make the broth rich and fragrant.

Tail

The best beef meat for making rich, well-setting broth for jelly.